Long-Term Effects of AAV1/SERCA2a Gene Transfer in Patients With Severe Heart Failure

Abstract

Rationale: The Calcium Up-Regulation by Percutaneous Administration of Gene Therapy In Cardiac Disease (CUPID 1) study was a phase 1/phase 2 first-in-human clinical gene therapy trial using an adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) vector carrying the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase gene (AAV1/SERCA2a) in patients with advanced heart failure. The study explored potential benefits of the therapy at 12 months, and results were previously reported. Objective: To report long-term (3-year) clinical effects and transgene expression in the patients in CUPID 1. Methods and Results: A total of 39 patients with advanced heart failure who were on stable, optimal heart failure therapy were randomized to receive intracoronary infusion of AAV1/SERCA2a in 1 of 3 doses (low-dose, 6×10 11 DNase-resistant particles; mid-dose, 3×10 12 DNase-resistant particles; and high-dose, 1×10 13 DNase-resistant particles) versus placebo. The following recurrent cardiovascular and terminal events were tracked for 3 years in all groups: myocardial infarction, worsening heart failure, heart failure–related hospitalization, ventricular assist device placement, cardiac transplantation, and death. The number of cardiovascular events, including death, was highest in the placebo group, high but delayed in the low- and mid-dose groups, and lowest in the high-dose group. Evidence of long-term transgene presence was also observed in high-dose patients. The risk of prespecified recurrent cardiovascular events was reduced by 82% in the high-dose versus placebo group ( P =0.048). No safety concerns were noted during the 3-year follow-up. Conclusions: After a single intracoronary infusion of AAV1/SERCA2a in patients with advanced heart failure, positive signals of cardiovascular events persist for years.